AT&T is standing by CNN chief Jeff Zucker despite critics who say the network leader might be out of a job should AT&T complete its planned merger with CNN’s parent Time Warner.

In a statement to TheWrap, AT&T Senior Executive Vice President John Stankey lauded Zucker’s performance — while leaving the door open to reconsidering the longtime exec’s position at some point in the future.

“We’ve done several mergers, and for obvious reasons, we don’t comment upon anyone’s employment at a company we don’t yet own. Until you close the deal, there are things you just don’t know and can’t do,” said Stankey, who is expected to replace current Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes and oversee AT&T’s expanded entertainment division once the $86 billion acquisition is complete.

“But, as it relates to CNN, it’s clearly a great organization, they are having a great year, and Jeff Zucker is doing a terrific job,” Stankey added.

The former face of "The Blaze" is the youngest person on this list, which couldn't hurt CNN as it tries to draw younger viewers. And she was willing to talk out her disagreements with Trevor Noah. A CNN gig would dramatically raise her profile.

The Blaze

Roger Stone

The dirty trickster is having a moment thanks to a new documentary, "Get Me Roger Stone" -- and of course predicting that Trump could win long before anyone took him seriously. His website describes him as an "alternative historian," though, and we know how CNN feels about "alternative facts."

ABC

Corey Lewandowski

Too easy: Lewandowski was formerly a commentator for CNN, Fox News and One America News Network. He was also Trump's campaign manager. The future's so bright.

Twitter

Scott Baio

Chachi has been down from Day 1. And we know how much Trump values loyalty, as long as your name isn't Jeff Sessions... or Anthony Scaramucci. Anyway, Baio on CNN would bring us many happy days. And it's not like he's busy.

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Chachi or the Mooch could be just the advocates Trump needs

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